Former Wolves goalkeeper Fred Davies dies, aged 81
Former promotion-winning Wolves goalkeeper Fred Davies has died at the age of 81.
Mentored by Molineux legend Bert Williams, he went on to make 156 league appearances during the 1960s.
Davies – who in 2014 said he owed his career to Williams – was the main keeper in the top flight until relegation in 1964/65, and he then helped Wolves get back up as Second Division runners-up in 1966/67.
He went on to play for Cardiff and Bournemouth and later enjoyed great success as a manager with Shrewsbury Town.
Having guided them to Third Division glory in 1994, he is their last title-winning manager. He also led them to Wembley for the first time in their history in April 1996, where they lost 2-1 to Rotherham in the Auto Windscreens Shield final.
The League Managers Association (LMA) confirmed Davies' passing, and chairman Howard Wilkinson said: "As a goalkeeper, a coach and a manager, Fred’s successes were all earned the hard way, as was the respect of his peers. He was a credit to the professional game.”
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan added: “Fred’s contribution, impact and influence on English football was vast, most notably in his role as manager of Shrewsbury Town."
